Illini freshman steps to head of class

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois freshman third baseman Brandon Wikoff rode the bus Monday to the Big Ten tournament and said “it’s been a good start’’ to a college career.

“I had a few struggles,’’ he said. “Overall, it’s been a good year.’’

The season continued when Illinois rallied from seven runs down to beat Michigan State 8-7 Sunday. The victory sent the Illini to the conference tournament as the No. 5 seed, where Illinois (30-25 overall, 16-14 in the Big Ten) met No. 4 Iowa (31-21, 17-13) Wednesday in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Peoria Journal Star baseball Player of the Year in 2005 as a junior at Bartonville Limestone, Wikoff started 51 of Illinois’ 55 games at third base, a position where he had no experience before the season. He entered postseason hitting .277.

The scrappy 5-foot-8, 150-pounder may not play at third base his entire career, but he’ likely found a home in the starting lineup. Wikoff may move to shortstop or second base next season, and coach Dan Hartleb still has plans to use Wikoff as a relief pitcher.

“Brandon faced a situation where he played a position that was all new to him,’’ Hartleb said. “I thought he adjusted well. If he did have a rough game, he rebounded well. One of the toughest things for a young player is how to handle the game mentally.

“He’s hard-nosed player. He always has a good attitude.’’

Wikoff missed only two games. He ranked fourth on the Illini with 42 runs scored. He has one homer and 23 RBI. With seniors secure at shortstop and second base, Wikoff knew he needed to move to another position to start after playing shortstop at Limestone.

“I didn’t know I was even starting until the first game, about 10 minutes before the game,’’ Wikoff said. “I had no idea.’’

Because of the personnel turnover next season, “I envision him being a middle infielder,’’ Hartleb said. “I feel he has the ability to play shortstop.’’

Wikoff helped Limestone place fourth in the Class AA state tournament as a junior. Last season, Limestone reached the state tournament quarterfinals. He chose Illinois over Bradley after also receiving interest from Indiana, Michigan State, Northwestern and Illinois State.

Wikoff arrived as a two-way player, planning on time in the infield and on the mound. But soreness in his right arm and inflammation in his rotator cuff, Wikoff said, kept him from pitching this spring. Hartleb and Wikoff hope to can pitch next season.

NOTE: Michigan earned the right to host the tournament by winning the regular-season championship. . . . Illinois last reached the NCAA tournament in 2000. The Illini must win the conference tournament to advance to the NCAAs.

John Supinie can be reached at 377-1977 and Johnsupinie@aol.com. Fore more Illini coverage, read Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com and www.pjstar.com.